Willoughby-Eastlake Schools superintendent sentenced for OVI

Jeff Forman/JForman@News-Herald.com

Steve Thompson is sentenced for his OVI conviction July 9 in Chardon Municipal Court. Judge Terri L. Stupica sentenced Thompson to 180 days, with 177 days suspended and 3 days of treatment, and 80 hours of community service.

Judge Terri L. Stupica sentenced Thompson to 180 days in jail with 177 of those days suspended. The remaining three will be spent participating in the Driver Intervention Program for first-time OVI offenders at the Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. He must also pay a $375 fine and had his driver’s license suspended for 180 days from the date of the incident, May 17.

In deciding how to sentence Thompson, Stupica said she tried to find a balance with Thompson being a first-time offender, but also holding an influential place in the community.

“We are elected and put in those positions because people trust us, people believe in us, and think we can do a good job, and we’re held to a higher standard,” said Stupica. “You are in charge of many young, impressionable children. You need to set an example.”

Thompson will also be placed on probation for one year. As a part of his probation, Thompson cannot consume alcohol or drugs, cannot go into bars and must perform 80 hours of community service. He must also pay restitution to the owner of the other car that was involved in the crash that led to his OVI arrest, said Stupica.

The community service will involve Thompson teaching a program that he created about the dangers of alcohol.

In describing the program, Thompson said it includes a 45-minute session for middle school students that will focus on making the right choices and how those choices have serious consequences.

“I certainly didn’t show the leadership traits that I should, not only for my family but for the community and for my students, and it’ll never happen again,” said Thompson. “If I could turn back the clock, I certainly would.”

Thompson’s attorney, Kenneth Callahan, added that numerous community members and leaders submitted to the court letters in support of Thompson.

“The acts in the past spring cast a large pall on a man who has otherwise lived a life of extraordinary integrity, of service to the community, to family, to church and in the service of our country,” said Callahan.

On May 17, Thompson, of South Russell Village, was arrested after being involved in a crash at the intersection of Routes 306 and 322 in Chester Township at about 2:30 a.m. No one was injured in the crash, according to Chester Township Police.

About the Author

Matt is the breaking news editor at The News-Herald. He tweets @MattNewsHerald. Send him a tip there or to mskrajner@news-herald.com. Fan of sports, TV, rock music and video games. Buckeye alum. O-H! Reach the author at mskrajner@news-herald.com
or follow Matt on Twitter: @MattNewsHerald.